751G.13/9–1754: Telegram
The Ambassador in Vietnam (Heath) to the Department of State
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1061. Repeated Paris 360. French insistence that Diem take Tam into his Government as Minister Interior is reaching intensity which I think is dangerous not merely for Diem government but to building up any sort of regime here which will enjoy necessary popular support and credence. My telegram 10591 reported that Ely during his long interview yesterday with Diem was insistent on Tam’s admission to Cabinet. We now hear from Fishel who was sent to me by Diem that Daridan, who saw Diem last evening was even more insistent and explicit. He not only insisted that Diem must accept Tam in government but said that if he did, Diem’s troubles with Hinh and sects would be over immediately, and implied that if he failed to do so, Diem’s government would be out in matter of days.
Possible this second-hand account of interview is distorted, but I doubt it, since Ely and especially Daridan have been so insistent with me as to necessity of Tam. I thought I had talked Ely out of it but it appears I am wrong.
I have been puzzled by frenzied French espousal of Tam but suppose it is due to pressure of large French economic interests in Vietnam whose influence in Paris and here is extremely strong.
I think situation justifies strongest representations to French here and in Paris. Please instruct urgently.
- Telegram 1059 from Saigon, Sept. 17, regarding French support for Nguyen Van Tam, is not printed. (751G.13/9–1754)↩